Sahel Security: Niger’s junta faces fresh pressure after militants from the Patriotic Movement for Liberty and Justice (MPLJ) claimed raids on mixed security bases in Seguedine, saying 15 soldiers were killed and vehicles set on fire, with no official confirmation yet. Energy & Economy: Niger signed a $1.9bn deal to build a 100,000-bpd refinery and petrochemical complex in Dosso under a build-operate-transfer model, aiming to boost refining capacity and create jobs. Regional Diplomacy: The AES bloc (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger) summoned Nigeria’s chargé d’affaires in Ouagadougou to protest Tinubu’s remarks blaming Sahel states for Nigeria’s insecurity. Oil Supply: Algeria’s Sonatrach began first contractual Jet A1 deliveries to Niger’s market via SONIDEP, adding another aviation fuel source for the landlocked country. Humanitarian/Conflict Spillover: A study highlights how conflict in one African country can raise government debt in nearby states, with military spending amplifying cross-border strain. Society & Governance: Women leaders in Niger State urged stronger government support for farming while calling for tougher action against child trafficking and early marriage. International Spotlight: An American missionary pilot, Kevin Rideout, was freed after more than 10 months in Niger captivity, with his organization saying he is in good health in US care.